6 cool innovations we're still waiting for

The hope: I really don't feel like doing the dishes. Can't someone make a robot to do this stuff?

The reality: You still have to do the dishes.

What's the deal? Scientists have made major advances over the past decade in robotics and artificial intelligence, but you'll be waiting a long time for affordable, autonomous robots that can do your chores.

Measuring the progress of robot development depends on your definition of "robot." IBM's (IBM) Watson supercomputer is one of the most famous examples of machine intelligence: It battled humans on "Jeopardy," learned Urban Dictionary slang, and is being used to help physicians diagnose ailments. But "he" won't do your laundry.

Annual tech shows routinely showcase humanoid robots. However, most are early prototypes that can walk around and dance -- but not learn. Honda (HMC) unveiled its ASIMO robot in 2000. Newer versions can kick a soccer ball or step aside when a human walks in its path. But ASIMO doesn't really have real-world applications yet.

Buy yourself a Roomba in the meantime.

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